16th Annual Progressive Dinner a success!

The 16th Annual Progressive Dinner was a delicious success once again this year!  Thanks to each of you who attended and for filling the evening with laughter and friendship!

Our location hosts and dessert sponsors are always very generous in supporting this event with not only their three course faire, but with their staff resources. Thanks to our event hosts Altiro, Winberie's and L!ve Cafe along with our sponsors including Michelin Star sponsor, Inland Home Mortgage, our Executive Chef Sponsors Coldwell Banker and E.J. Mullins Co., Inc., and our Sous Chef Sponsors AA Rental Center, Oak Park Allstate Agent Gary Longstein, and Prairie Title.

With an appetizer kick off at Altiro, main course at our long standing supporter Winberie’s and dessert finale at L!ve Cafe with treats from Cucina Paradiso and Happy Apple Pie Shop it was a meal enjoyed by all.  This year attendees were treated to the live music of Mark Dvorak, who played at L!ve Cafe thanks to underwriting from the Songs for Peace and Justice Fund held at the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation. 

Our Michelin Star Sponsor, Inland Home Mortgage has partnered with Housing Forward to help end homelessness in many ways. In addition to their financial contributions, representatives have also presented during Housing Forward’s Career Passport class about credit and budgeting counseling, and ways to save for rent and security deposits. These classes are designed to help participants understand the tools and resources available to them to help achieve financial stability.

As a business that works closely with potential homeowners from all economic backgrounds, IHM deeply understands the importance of housing and financial stability. “Inland Bank and Inland Home Mortgage decided to get involved with Housing Forward because we saw the people who ‘fell through the cracks’ and needed assistance to hurdle from housing crisis to housing stability,” says Betsy D’Onofrio, the Community Reinvestment Officer with IHM. Betsy is responsible for providing training on grant homeownership opportunities, specifically for low to moderate income earners, as well as provide resources for current homeowners who may be experiencing financial insecurity.

Inland Home Mortgage is a mid-sized community bank that works hard to create mortgage lending opportunities in Chicago and the surrounding areas.  They work with customers to provide the best type of services for their circumstances and also offer seven grants that help cover down payment and closing costs for first time and repeat home buyers. They are licensed in all 50 states which makes it much easier for them to do business anywhere in the nation.

“Everyone has a right to housing,” says Chris Prod, Marketing Administrator at IHM, “and we want to make it easier for all people to own a home.”

To learn more about Inland Home Mortgage and the services they provide, please visit their website at http://www.inlandhomemortgage.com.

You can view the full array of photos, delicious plates and treats, and our gracious attendees thanks to the donated time and talent of Eileen Molony Photography.  Please visit our website event page for the full 2018 Progressive Dinner photo gallery or visit our Facebook Page for a slideshow of some of the highlights.